After months of speculation surrounding the movie’s male lead, Jake Gyllenhaal has been signed to star as Prince Daston in Disney’s upcoming first installment in a Prince of Persia Trilogy based on the popular computer game.

British actor Orlando Bloom was initially speculated to play the lead, for $40million, these reports were denied by Disney last week.

The film will also star Bond Girl Gemma Arterton, and is slated to be directed by Mike Newell of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire fame.

Work for Prince of Persia:The Sands of Time begins on June 19 at U.K.-based Pinewood Studios, with location work in Morocco.

I’ve personally been a fan of Prince of Persia since the game was initially launched. This is a very exciting development in terms of game adaptations especially when you look at all the 1980’s cult series, cartoons and movies being re-made.  Even the A-team is being re-done with a look at Bruce Willis taking the role of Hannibal “I love it when a plan comes together” Smith.  I just love this stuff.